Chapter 47
AN: Thank you so much for the incredible response to the last couple of chapters, it means so so much to me.
After what feels like an eternity the door to the exam room opens and Dr Ryan walks back into the hospital room.
"Addison, I have your results," Dr Ryan says, looking between Addison and Derek.
"It's preeclampsia, isn't it?" Addison asks, as that's what she assumes.
"It is," Doctor Ryan confirms. "Your tests indicate that you are leaning more towards severe," Doctor Ryan explains. "Addison I would like to admit you overnight observation while we administer medication to lower your blood pressure," Doctor Ryan informs Addison.
"Corticosteroids as well," Addison requests, as she knows that Preeclampsia increases the chances of the need for early delivery and while it is too early for that she knows that it will help if it gets to that point.
"Of course," Dr Ryan says. "Addison even when you're discharged you will have to slow down, I am not ordering full bedrest at the moment, but I am strongly encouraging you to cut down your surgery schedule," Dr Ryan explains.
"I will," Addison says, putting her hands on her stomach, letting go of Derek's hand to do so. "I know what I have to do," Addison says, knowing that she will do whatever she has to do to make sure both herself and the Sheplets are healthy.
"I will go do the paperwork to admit you and then we can talk specific treatment," Dr Ryan says and as Addison and Derek are both doctors, and this is Addison's specialty area, she knows that they both need some time to talk, and after looking between them Dr Ryan heads out of the room.
"I'll cut down my surgeries too," Derek tells Addison.
"Derek…" Addison starts to say, feeling shocked, but also grateful. "You don't have to do that," Addison tells him.
"I want to," Derek responds. "Addie, I promised that this is going to be different than before, and I meant that," Derek promises. "I want to be there for you, and Zola, and the Sheplets, so if you have to cut down on surgery then I will to," Derek promises, as he reaches out and takes Addison's hand.
"I love you," Addison says, looking to where she thinks Derek is as she squeezes his hand, and before they can have a more in-depth conversation about what is going on the door opens, while Addison still can't see clearly Derek turns to look to see who it is and neither are overly surprised to see that it is Amelia sticking her head into the room.
"Can we come in?" Amelia asks, fighting to keep her voice even though she really doesn't feel like it can be.
"Of course," Addison says and as soon as she does the door opens and Amelia, Teddy, Callie and Mark walk in.
"What did Dr Ryan say?" Callie asks, needing to know, while also fearing the answer, just like everyone else.
"Severe preeclampsia," Derek answers, as he feels Addison squeeze his hand.
"I'm being admitted for the night for rest and to administer corticosteroids, and medication to lower my blood pressure," Addison says, knowing that she is going to discuss that treatment with Doctor Ryan to make sure that it is the exact treatment she would give.
"Are you being put on bedrest?" Teddy asks, as that will tell them a lot about how bad it is.
"Not at the moment," Addison explains. "I will be cutting back on my surgeries though," Addison says, knowing that It is highly likely that she will be on bedrest at some point in her pregnancy.
"I will be too," Derek reveals. "Amy, I'll need you to take on more of my service," Derek explains.
"Of course," Amy says, knowing that she will do that without hesitation.
"Amelia and Teddy said you're having trouble seeing, is that still the case?" Mark asks curious.
"Yes," Addison answers. As this is her specialty Addison knows everything about this condition, and what it means. "The medication and monitoring will help," Addison says and as she does, she realizes something. "I'm going to miss Zola's first night at the Lake House," Addison says, disappointment in her voice.
"We'll stay at the old house," Derek suggests, as he doesn't want Addison to be disappointed.
"Derek there's no furniture at the old house," Amelia reminds her brother.
"Amelia's right, take Zola home tonight, but make sure she is completely comfortable in her new room," Addison tells Derek, trying to look at him, but she looks past him.
"I will," Derek promises, squeezing Addison's hand.
"Don't you all have places to be," Addison says, clearly talking to everyone but Derek.
"Nope," Amelia says, sitting down on Addison's bed.
"Right here is where we have to be," Teddy says, not just speaking for herself and Amelia but for everyone, and Addison is completely touched by her worlds.
A couple of hours after Addison, Derek, Amelia, Teddy and Zola arrived at the hospital Addison has been moved to a room, during which time Derek and Amelia never left her side and it is clear they are not going to until they have to.
As Teddy realized before anyone else that Amelia and Derek aren't going to leave Addison's side Teddy has headed down to the cafeteria so she can get food and drinks from them all.
"TEDDY," A voice calls as Teddy approaches the cafeteria door and as she was expecting to be questioned, she isn't at all surprised. Turning around she sees Owen walking towards her.
"Montgomery's been admitted?" Owen asks concerned.
"Yes, for treatment and observation due to Preeclampsia," Teddy explains. Before she left Addison's room she talked through with Addison and Derek who it was okay to talk to if questioned, and Owen was on that list.
"How bad?" Owen asks concerned.
"Bad enough for Addison to be dictating treatment," Teddy explains. "Addie and Derek are going to talk to you, but they will both be lightening their surgical loads," Teddy explains. "Melia's already agreed to take on some of Derek's load," Teddy explains, and Owen wonders if she realizes that she is using nicknames.
"Of course," Owen says, as that is completely understandable. "Tell them that if there is anything I can do to help just let me know," Owen requests.
"Of course," Teddy responds.
"Are you okay? I know you and Addison have become good friends," Owen says, as he has become truly grateful that Teddy had the Shepherds and Addison when things between them were bad.
"I'm just worried about my friends," Teddy admits. "I should get back, I promised food and drink," Teddy says.
"Of course," Owen responds, and Teddy heads into the cafeteria.
Not long after Teddy talked to Richard she is walking back into Addison's room where Addison, Derek and Amelia are. While Richard, Bailey, Callie, Mark, and Arizona have all visited at some point they all had to get to other things in the hospital.
"Food delivery, enough for all," Teddy says as she starts to give the food to Amelia, Derek and Addison, making sure Addison's, who is still having issues seeing, is aware of where her food is.
"Thanks," Derek says.
"Thank you," Addison says.
"How was it out there? Any interrogations?" Amelia asks curious, as she assumes it is.
"Just Owen, I told him what's going on," Teddy explains, as she sits down next to Amelia.
"Thank you for that," Addison says as she feels around, trying to find the food that Teddy brought.
"Any improvement?" Amelia asks, noticing Addison's actions.
"I'm not sure," Addison admits, as she manages to pick up the sandwich. "The rest and medications still needs time," Addison says as she knows this protocol well.
"You should start to see improvements soon," Teddy says as she knows the medication Addison is on well.
"I know," Addison says, as she turns to look where she knows Derek is. "Tonight, take plenty of picture of Zo-Zo in her room," Addison requests.
"Of course," Derek promises.
"And keep her routine the same, she'll need that when she's getting used to the new house," Addison says.
"I know," Derek promises, and the group continue to eat their food together.
Hours later, so they can stick to their routine, Derek has gone to get Zola from daycare, and he is walking into Addison's room, where Teddy and Amelia are waiting, holding her.
"Someone's here to say goodnight," Derek says, as he walks into the room.
"Hey Zo-Zo," Addison says, feeling glad that she can see her daughter almost perfectly as she is wearing her glasses. "Did you have a good day sweetheart?" Addison asks, even though she knows her daughter can't answer.
"Mama," Zola says, reaching for her, and Addison takes her from Derek and cuddles her.
"Oh, I love you, Zo, I love you so much," Addison says to her daughter as she kisses her head. "Listen Zo, Mama has to stay here for the night, but you're gonna go home with Daddy and Aunty Amelia and Aunty Teddy," Addison says as she continues to cuddle Zola and kiss her head. "You're gonna spend your first night in your new room, it's bigger, and got a really good view, and you're gonna love it," Addison says to her daughter. "Even if it is a little scary," Addison says to her daughter.
"Addie, she'll be okay," Derek assures her. "I'll make sure of it," Derek says, realizing that this must be hard for Addison and bring up a lot of 'not wanting to be Bizzy,' feelings.
"I know, but I won't be with her," Addison says as she continues to cuddle Zola.
"Addie," Amelia says, leaning forward. "You need to stay here so you and the Sheplets are well, and Zola needs you well. You'll be with her every other night in our new house, it's okay that you're not there tonight," Amelia says, wanting Addison to believe that. "It doesn't make you, Bizzy, you couldn't be any further away from being Bizzy," Amelia says, as like Derek she knows what is the cause of Addison's guilt and self-doubt, but unlike her brother she won't beat around the bush.
"Addison, Amelia and Derek are right, you're an incredible mother, not being able to be with Zola tonight doesn't change that," Teddy says, wanting to be helpful.
"I love all of you," Addison says, looking between Derek, Amelia and Teddy. "I love you so much, Zo-Zo, be good for Daddy, Aunty Amelia and Aunty Teddy," Addison says, before once more kissing her daughter's head, and once she does she hands her to Derek.
"We'll see you in the morning," Derek promises Addison, before he leans down and kisses her. "I love you," Derek says.
"I love you too," Addison responds, and once she does Derek, Zola, Amelia and Teddy head out of Addison's hospital room. Once her family leaves, and the door is closed, Addison drops the 'poker' face she has on and starts to cry.
A while after he said goodbye to Addison Derek is in Zola's room holding her as he paces back and forth.
"I know you miss Mommy, and she'll be here tomorrow, but right now, she needs to be in hospital. It's the best place for her, and your brothers and sister, so they can all be okay," Derek explains to Zola as they pace back and forth. "I know it doesn't feel like it yet, but this is your room," Derek tells his daughter. "It's all yours and you are loved, so loved," Derek tells Zola who has started to drift off to sleep in his arms, and so he walks over to her crib, and puts her down. "Your unicorn is right here, and Mommy may not be here but I'm not far away, and Aunty Amy and Aunty Teddy are both here too. I love you so much Sweetheart," Derek assures his daughter as he kisses her head, and puts her properly in her bed. "I love you so much," Derek repeats and for a little while he just watches his daughter sleep.
At the hospital Addison is alone, desperately wishing that she could be with her daughter for the first time in their new house. While she is not crying loudly Addison still has tears rolling down her face.
As she cries the door opens and Richard walks in, without a world he walks over to her and takes her hand, offering her silent comfort. Even though she can't vocalize it Addison is incredibly grateful for him, and because they have known each other for so long a simple look says exactly that.
After spending a while watching his daughter sleep Derek heads down to the outside living area where Teddy and Amelia, who are sitting quite close, are on the couch each of them holding a cup of tea.
"How Zo go down?" Amelia asks, seeing Derek, who sits down on the armchair closest to his sister.
"Perfectly," Derek says, as he puts the baby monitor down on the coffee table and picks up the tea that Amelia and Teddy made for him. "I don't even think she's realized we're somewhere new," Derek admits, as he runs his hand through his hair.
"Are you alright?" Teddy asks concerned.
"I don't even know," Derek admits, knowing that if this wasn't a dry house, he would be having a drink right now. "I really thought I was going to lose Addie this morning," Derek admits, his voice breaking, and Amelia reaches over and gives her brother's hand a squeeze. "I can't lose her," Derek says, tears coming to his eyes.
"I know," Amelia says, as she feels the exact same way. "Derek, Addie's a fighter. I know you don't know everything that's happened in LA, but Addie's had to fight so hard, and she's not going to stop now," Amelia says, believing that. "Addie wants to see her kids grow up, she wants a long life with you, she's not going to give up on that. She won't stop fighting," Amelia says, needing to believe that as much as Derek.
"I need her not to," Derek admits, as the trio drift into silence.
As they drift into silence Teddy watches Amelia and Derek, and she knows she wants to do whatever she can to help, as these people have helped her through her pain, they are the reason she is doing okay, and she needs them to be too.
The next morning, as they got updates over the night that Addison is doing much better, Teddy and Amelia have traveled to the hospital in one car while Derek and Zola travelled in another. Despite the fact that they travelled in two cars Teddy and Amelia are waiting for Derek when he gets to the hospital.
"I'll get the stroller," Teddy says as Derek gets Zola out.
"I talked to Owen on my way in, you're acting chief of neuro for the next few days," Derek tells his sister, as he doesn't want anything to distract from making sure Addison and the Sheplets are okay.
"Are you sure you're okay with that?" Amelia asks, feeling a little shocked as it wasn't that too long ago that Derek didn't even trust her with his patients and now, he is trusting her with his entire department.
"Amy you're the only one I trust with the department. If I know you're handling it I won't worry," Derek explains, showing his sister that he has trust in her.
"Thanks Derek," Amelia says, feeling touched, as Derek places Zola into the stroller Teddy got ready.
"I talked to Arizona last night, she and Alex are going to oversee Addison's current patients," Teddy reveals.
"Good, that will help Addie worry less," Derek says as the trio walk towards the hospital, Derek knowing that Addison will worry about her patients so if Arizona and Alex are overseeing them then she will worry less.
A little while after Derek arrived at the hospital Teddy and Amelia have headed to the attending lounge while Derek is walking into Addison's hospital room, where Addison and Dr Ryan are, with Zola.
"There's my girl," Addison says with a huge grin, feeling relieved that she can now see her daughter without her glasses on, as she puts down her own chart which she was reading.
"Here we are," Derek says. "How are you doing?" Derek asks.
"Better, I can see normally again," Addison explains.
"That's good," Derek says, sounding relived. "How's your blood pressure?" Derek asks concerned.
"Elevated, but a lot lower than it was," Addison explains.
"Good," Derek says, sounding glad.
"Addison, Derek," Doctor Ryan says, and both look at her. "Addison, you and the babies are doing much better, but as you know this is an extremely risky pregnancy," Dr Ryan says. "I am not prescribing complete bed rest, but you still need to take things easy, slow down," Dr Ryan says, looking between Addison and Derek.
"I will," Addison says as she is determined to do that.
"And Addison, I know you know the symptoms of Preeclampsia, you can't dismiss even the mildness of symptoms," Dr Ryan says.
"I won't," Addison promises.
"Good, then I'll discharge you," Dr Ryan says.
"Thank you, Doctor," Addison says gratefully.
"I'll go do the paperwork," Dr Ryan says, heading out of the room.
"I am so glad you're okay," Derek says to Addison.
"I know," Addison says. "Come here Zo-Zo," Addison says and Derek takes Zola out of the pram and gives her to Addison, and as soon as he does Addison cuddles her.
A little while after Derek walked into Addison's hospital room he, Addison and Zola are heading out of the hospital together. Both Addison and Derek are feeling relieved that things are currently okay, both are feeling extremely worried that things aren't going to say good for long.